|
|
|
|
|
| Market Research
|
|
|
|
|
|
A rudder for the business: Cliff Mills, NCC Research (April 2009)
|
|
|
|
|
|
As we experience a prolonged period of economic uncertainty, the requirement for financial information to enable better
management decision making becomes even more pressing.
It is not surprising, therefore, that reporting and analysis is currently very much ‘top of mind’ for the finance department. It
represents a continual challenge to improve reporting systems and provide the necessary management information to help
direct the business through troubled times.
Streamlining and improving the organisation’s business processes is also a key focus – and this requires both integration with
other core systems and the ability to process both internal and external documents using technologies such as document
management and workflow.
This requirement is highlighted in our latest survey, where the main business driver for recent developments in financial and
accounting systems – mentioned by 76% of respondents – is the ongoing need to update business processes and procedures.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spreadsheet survival: Jacqui Sexton, Insight MSC (April 2009)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spreadsheets are a wonderful tool. They allow users to extract, manipulate, present and
disseminate all types of data in infinite ways. They can be quickly created, changed and
distributed directly by the user, with little or no training required. No wonder that many finance
professionals continue to use them.
But spreadsheets are also hostage to their own success, as they are open to human errors and
when not properly managed and controlled, they can become a risk to the business.
So what is the best way to optimise spreadsheets? What are the benefits of using them – and
what are the effective ways of managing and controlling such a powerful tool?
Given their flexibility, accessibility and rich functionality, spreadsheets have rapidly become the
tool of choice for accountants – and their value is increased during economic uncertainty when
organisations are in need of immediate and detailed financial information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|